Bodegas Ontanon Tempranillo Blanco, Rioja DOCa, Spain 2021

Description

An elegant and distinctive white wine from Rioja DOCa, crafted from one of the region’s rarest grape varieties. Tempranillo Blanco, a natural mutation of the classic red Tempranillo discovered in 1988, produces wines that combine aromatic intensity with remarkable freshness.

The 2021 vintage opens with expressive aromas of white peach, pear, and citrus blossom, intertwined with subtle notes of fennel and almond. On the palate, it is vibrant and medium-bodied, offering a balance of ripe fruit, lively acidity, and a gentle creaminess from partial lees contact. The finish is crisp and mineral, reflecting the influence of Rioja’s high-altitude vineyards and calcareous soils.

Fermentation took place in stainless steel at controlled temperatures to preserve aromatic purity, followed by brief maturation on fine lees to enhance texture and mouthfeel. Bodegas Ontañón, a family-run estate based in Rioja Oriental, is known for combining tradition with innovation, and their Tempranillo Blanco exemplifies this approach—authentic, modern, and unmistakably Rioja.